Bidspirit auction | Sefer Sha’ar HaShamayim by Rabbi

Sefer Sha’ar HaShamayim by Rabbi Gershon ben Shlomo. Venice, 1547. First Edition. - Sha’ar HaShamayim is among the earliest and most important Hebrew works devoted to natural science, cosmology, and astronomy, authored by the sage Rabbi Gershon ben Shlomo. The author, Rabbi Gershon ben Shlomo of Catalonia, was among the distinguished Jewish scholars of Spain in the thirteenth century. According to tradition, he was one of the notable intellectual figures of his age, and was renowned for his familial ties to great rabbinic authorities—as father of the Ralbag and son-in-law of the Ramban. The present work discusses the order of creation, the elements of nature, the movements of the heavenly bodies, and scientific-philosophical questions as understood through the lens of Jewish tradition and the wisdom of its era. It is one of the early and significant attempts to synthesize science, philosophical inquiry, and faith in the Hebrew language. The colophon states that the book was printed in the year 1547, and this is the first edition, issued in Venice during the early age of Hebrew printing. 64 leaves. 19 cm. Condition: Very good. Minor age stains. Reinforcement to final leaf. Contemporary vellum binding.